Numismatic

1897-O $10 Liberty Gold Eagle MS-61 NGC

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The 1897 Liberty Gold Eagle represents a fascinating moment in late nineteenth-century American coinage. Struck at the historic New Orleans Mint, this ten-dollar piece is distinguished by the 'O' mint mark on its reverse. With a remarkably low mintage of just 42,500 pieces, finding an example preserved in Mint State 61 condition offers a compelling glimpse into the past. The obverse of this gold coin displays the classic profile of Liberty, her hair bound by a band inscribed with her name, surrounded by a ring of thirteen stars representing the original colonies. On the reverse, a heraldic eagle stands proudly with a shield emblazoned across its chest. The bird holds the traditional symbols of national strength and peace, encircled by the legend 'United States of America' and the ten-dollar denomination. Struck from 0.4838 troy ounces of 90 percent pure gold, this coin is a testament to the craftsmanship guaranteed by the United States Mint. Its preservation in certified Mint State condition allows observers to appreciate the fine details of the engraving, from the feathers of the eagle to the delicate stars on the obverse.